Junior Specialist (Ori-McKenney Lab)
Position overview
Junior Specialist NEX: A reasonable estimate for this position is $26.35/hr at Step 1 or $28.07/hr at step 2
Application Window
Open date: September 15, 2025
Next review date: Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for 1 Junior Specialist positions in molecular biology and biochemistry.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Research (80%)
This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on tau physiology and pathology, with the goal of understanding how tau functions at the molecular level and how it aggregates to cause neurodegenerative disease. The successful candidate will perform cloning and protein production, carry out in vitro aggregation assays, and apply both single-molecule and ensemble imaging techniques. In addition, the candidate is expected to review the scientific literature and, in conjunction with the Principal Investigator, formulate new hypotheses, design experiments to test those hypotheses, and conduct the resulting experiments. The candidate will also be expected to present their work in lab and group research meetings, contribute to the preparation of figures, and assist in the writing of manuscripts for publication.
Service (20%)
The Junior Specialist will be expected to help train and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, as well as other laboratory members. Additional responsibilities will include contributing to the overall operation of the laboratory, maintaining a clean work environment, and ensuring compliance with all safety regulations.
TO APPLY: To apply, please go to the following link:
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07316
Applicants should submit a cover letter, a research statement describing their past research experience, skills and interests, and a curriculum vitae. Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for two references. All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law.
For more information about the department, please visit the website: http://www.mcb.ucdavis.edu
QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Kassandra Ori-McKenney (kmorimckenney@ucdavis.edu)
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field, with some lab experience. Experience must include molecular biology skills such as PCR, experience with protein production from both bacteria and insect cells, experience with microscopy, and data analysis. Must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures and be able to document graphic and tabular data for publication, proposals, and/or presentations. Experience with software programs including Excel and Graphpad Prism is a plus.
Previous experience or coursework in studying cell biology and biochemistry. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
Application Requirements
Cover Letter
Statement of Research
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
- 2 required (contact information only)
Help contact: kkeehn@ucdavis.edu
About UC Davis
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state for federal law.
Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.
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